Conference Agenda

These sessions are delivered with a video conferencing software called Zoom. Each session has a separate link. If you have not previously used Zoom, please visit Zoom for additional instructions on how to join the conference.

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

12:30 - 1:00 pm CST

1:10 - 2:10 pm CST

The Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) serves as California's state technology leadership project for adult education. Learn about a variety of adult education-focused resources and how to access them. Free tools and resources that will be shared include technology-integrated lesson plans, Web-based class activities, and a free site that uses news stories to teach English to adult learners.

Participants will learn about a variety of free online resources for adult educators and how to access them.

2:10-2:20 pm CST

2:20 - 3:20 pm CST

The AEL program of Southeastern Community College has been developing a distance learning virtual classroom program employing the free programs Zoom and ClassFlow. An AEL SCC facilitator will demonstrate the step-by-step process and discuss how other areas can develop their distance learning programs.

Participants will learn how to setup a Zoom Account, how to connect smart boards for distance learning classrooms via Zoom, how to set up a Classflow account, and how to manage distance learning in a blended classroom.

3:20-3:30 pm CST

3:30 - 5:00 pm CST

Iowa’s ELL population continues to evolve, and it now includes more preliterate, non-literate, and semiliterate students. Literate and non-literate students have different learning styles, and the process of acquiring English language communication and academic skills may differ as well. This workshop will engage participants in a framework for developing ESL curriculum for adults who have limited L1 literacy skills.

Participants will become aware of distinctions between literate and non-literate students. They will explore instructional methods and classroom strategies that will engage non-literate students and enhance their persistence in ESL classrooms, and will learn ways to incorporate technology to improve non-literate students' language and reading skills.

Wednesday, January 25, 2017

12:30 - 1:00 pm CST

Technology has changed the way we do business, pursue education, find jobs, and interact with everyone from our family to Congress. Yet today nearly one in five Americans are not connected to the Internet at home. These Americans are disproportionately from low-income and minority communities. This digital divide is real, ongoing, and imminently solvable. EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit that aims to eliminate the digital divide by delivering high-speed Internet, computers, and digital training to all unconnected Americans. Since 2012, EveryoneOn has connected more than 300,000 low-income people across 48 states to free and affordable Internet, computers, and digital literacy training.

Join this session: Zoom Link or by going directly to the website and using Meeting ID # 426878665

1:10 - 2:10 pm CST

Ohio adult education programs have a number of options for distance education instruction, including the option for students to learn online through the Distance Education (DE) Hub through the Ohio Literacy Resource Center. This model has been in place since 2003, and it allows programs to provide DE to students without having to have instructors on staff. Programs refer students to the Hub where qualified teachers provide DE to students and work with local teachers to help meet students' educational goals. Funded through the State ABLE Program, DE Hub instruction is free to students and local programs.

Participants will learn about the Ohio Distance Education Hub and the process of referral, local/Hub partnerships, student outcomes, and lessons learned.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 589572803

2:10-2:20 pm

Break | Twitter Conversation

2:20 - 3:20 pm CST

Distance Education in Adult Education and Literacy with Brandi Parsons

This session will focus on defining distance learning and how to best incorporate distance learning into adult education and literacy programs.

Participants will be able to state the different distance learning options available.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 382633258

3:20-3:30 pm CST

Break | Twitter Conversation

3:30 - 5:00 pm CST

With so much material online, it can be difficult to sort through everything and find what works for you. We have curated and created a number of free online educational resources that are directly related to the world of adult education. Some of the highlights include: Khan-like videos that walk students through how to do HiSET practice tests one problem at a time, online quizzes that simulate a post-test with real-time results, a bank of syllabi, lesson plans and curriculum for HSE and ELL students in a publicly available Google Drive, a free way to poll people online using text messaging or computer, and much more. Attendees will learn how to gain access to all of these resources and how to maximize their use for the best results.

Learn ways in which Google Forms can be a powerful tool for education; how to use online quizzes to assess post-test readiness; how to use HiSET prep videos to get better results on OPTs and final tests; where to find a wealth of free online educational resources; and how to access Google Drive materials for lesson planning, syllabi and curriculum

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 519975806

Thursday, January 26, 2017

12:30 - 1:00 pm CST

Easter Seals Iowa Assistive Technology Center serves statewide in Iowa. This program provides various services to support individuals with disabilities, family members, and providers/network with options for accessing assistive technology that may support their ability to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. This brief overview will discuss the services available through the Assistive Technology Center including the Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program, the Demonstration Center, the Lending Library, and the Used Equipment Referral Service. Resources shared will include how to access additional information, connect with a team member, and referral process.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID# 943293205

1:10 - 2:10 pm CST

How do you keep your instructors aware of student progress in your program? In this session, learn more on how to use last activity reports and your Table 4 to provide information to your instructors on student attendance, retention, and completion.

Participant will run and understand Table 4 and Last Activity reports, and will learn how to take data from CASAS and transform it into usable and understandable information to make informed program decisions.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 773287654

2:10-2:20 pm CST

Break | Twitter Conversation

2:20 - 3:20 pm CST

Participants will learn the advantages of incorporating the flipped method into their classrooms, as well as observe examples of the flipped method being used with Burlington English and other free and paid online tools. In addition, participants will identify the four elements of the flipped method and create their own flipped lesson plan.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 118548744

3:20-3:30 pm CST

Break | Twitter Conversation

3:30 - 4:30 pm CST

Too often we hear of adult learners leaving school because they were bored or thought they weren’t capable. These behaviors and thoughts may be symptoms of a larger problem – their learning styles weren’t being addressed. We need to provide learning experiences that meet their specific needs. In this workshop, we will consider ways technology can accommodate different learning styles and help meet learners’ college and career goals. FREE resources that can be found in PBS LearningMedia include video and interactive learning opportunities. We will showcase items correlated to the Common Core State Standards, the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC), and GED® test content. We’ll also see a professional development course designed to help teachers better understand the GED® Math and Language Arts tests. This workshop also includes an introduction to KET’s Fast Forward learning system – featuring instructions on navigating the system, managing your class rosters, making the most of the Teacher Toolkit, and more!

Participants will leave the session with ideas and resources for finding and integrating technology into their classrooms. A considerable amount of time will be spent exploring PBS LearningMedia. Participants will learn how to create an account, search for resources, and mark and save their favorites to folders.Time will be allotted for discussion and questions.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 939613585

4:35 - 5:15 pm CST

Educators understand that engagement increases student success, particularly for nontraditional students. However, many students lack fundamental skills that prevent them from actively engaging in a classroom environment. This session will provide tools that can be used in-house or online in order to increase the level of engagement by students and help develop their confidence through the use of low-stakes activities that help them find success.

Join this session: Zoom Linkor by going directly to thewebsite and using Meeting ID # 432946559